Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (April 2016)

5 7

EDITOR’S NOTE am an optimist by nature. But, when it comes to boatbuilding, the central theme of this edi- tion of your number one BPA audited circulation periodical in this genre, some might think that’s a tough slog as we launch into the second quarter of 2016. Actually, not at all.

I

As this edition of MarineNews goes to print, the price of crude oil – West Texas Intermedi- ate or Brent – was hovering in the neighborhood of USD $40. Depending on your frame of reference, that was the good news as the ? rst quarter of a challenging business environment for the domestic waterfront came to a merciful end. For some Gulf Coast boat builders and repair yards, for example, and after enduring a year that saw the price of oil drop by more than $80, that’s now of little consolation. For still others, it is valuable INTEL, but only one piece of their business puzzle. All of that said; there are many places beyond energy and offshore operations [email protected] from which workboat builders can derive their pro? ts. Those who plumb all available pipelines are more likely to survive the downturn than those who do not.

Imagine leveraging domestic and foreign customers, (federal and municipal) governments and commercial, recreational and workboat and municipal services alike, all in one boatbuild- ing portfolio. If that formula sounds pretty good, then that’s because it is. In this edition, we explore the exceedingly diversi? ed backlog portfolio of one such West Coast-based boat builder. North River Boats, a relatively new enterprise by maritime standards, began in 1974 as a largely recreational builder. Through managed growth and careful acquisitions, this Oregon- based ? rm has made sure that none of its proverbial eggs ever reside in just one basket. That story begins on page 28.

Staying with the boatbuilding thread of this edition for a little while longer, it likely won’t be too much longer before it also won’t matter which sector of the workboat market that you concentrate on. That’s because the long waited, much anticipated comprehensive so-called sub- chapter M towboat rules are ? nally just around the corner. Really.

For domestic workboat build & repair yards, these new rules just may be the biggest boon to business since WWII when FDR decided to crank out Victory and Liberty ships, and the go- ahead was given to Higgins Industries to build landing craft and PT boats. That’s because more than 1,000 operators, operating as many as 5,200 previously uninspected towing vessels (UTV) are looking at modi? cations, upgrades, and in some cases, complete replacements of existing tonnage. Your best look at the numbers comes in this month’s edition of BY THE NUMBERS.

Actually, SubM is just one part of the equation. Tightening EPA Tier requirements for engines, more speci? c VGP standards and the specter of (okay – I’m just dreaming here) a ? nal Coast

Guard edict on Ballast Water Treatment equipment mean that drydock space at ANY yard will very soon be at a premium. I rarely make predictions. This month, I bring you the good news.

Download our Apps iPhone & Android

Joseph Keefe, Editor, [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to the print or electronic edition of at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at [email protected]

DAILY NEWS via E-MAIL

Twice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your speci? cation, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To subscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx

POST & SEARCH JOBS

Job listings are updated daily and help match employers with quali? ed employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com

ADVERTISE

MN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp

Online Resources

April 2016 6 MN

MN April16 Layout 1-17.indd 6 3/18/2016 11:41:03 AM